by Tina Maurine
Noah was truly beautiful to behold, his brow furled in concentration and restraint, his eyes hooded with passion, his lips parted, raking in harsh, shallow breaths. Every time he slowly and with antagonizing, deliberate measure withdrew to his turgid head, and then crammed his rigid, torrid length root-deep into me, I broke even further. I loved how he rutted with harsh ferocity, then withdrew with leisurely ease. His eyes never once left mine. Never closed. His gaze remained married to mine, always seeking, imploring, and demanding my truths. Our orgasms both built at an excruciatingly deliberate pace; Noah’s experience and unfathomable restraint delayed our simultaneous climax.
“Tess—ah, …I can’t any longer. I can’t…” Noah sat fully upright on his knees, and with both hands, yanked my hips up so only my shoulder blades remained on the bed. The power he used to pull me onto him as he lustfully pounded into me—while his eyes bored unwavering into mine—drove me over the edge. I came undone. Wave after wave of sheer ecstasy hit me.
“Goddamn it—look at me!” He growled.
I opened my eyes in time to see him break above me. Still rippling with my own orgasm, I felt his rigid length explode inside me, pumping his hot seed into me; his cock pulsing now to my body’s own rhythm. If I hadn’t known before that I loved him, I certainly did now. There’s no way to share such a crippling, soul-shattering climax unless hearts had become involved. He collapsed onto his forearms on either side of me, and then, with his right hand he reached up and yanked the lace bindings from my wrists. My hands enveloped him as he laid his chest on mine.
“Tessa…”
“Noah.” I felt a single renegade tear escape from the corner of my eye.
“I can’t even describe what you’ve done to me.”
“I know. Me either.”
Noah moved in for a sensual, languorous kiss—one that stole away what little breath I had left. Gasping, Noah sat back on his heels, still buried inside me. In sheer wonderment, I tried to wrap my brain around how, if he’d already come, and wasn’t fully hard, he still remained fully buried in my pussy. Noah has one impressive fucking cock.
I couldn’t help the ridiculous, cat-got-the-mouse, shit-eating grin from spreading across my face.
Noah chuckled. “Looks like I did something right.” Winking at me, he gave me that arrogant half smirk of his. I could feel how rigid and unyielding he had become in me again.
“Maybe…” I teased, squeezing my inner muscles so that they undulated along his cock.
Noah clenched his teeth in an effort to remain in charge. “Hmm. Well, if you’re not too sure, then maybe I should rectify that?” He pulled out and with lightening reflexes flipped me so I lay face down. He grabbed my hips, snapping me up to him, ass high in the air before he crammed me full to the hilt again; smacking my ass for good measure.
“I still need to make good on my promise that you’ll not be able to walk or forget me while I’m gone.” Noah grabbed the tendrils of hair at the base of my neck, wrapping them around his fist. He planted his other over my shoulder and began another calculated assault—one of many before we were both too spent to move.
As I finally drifted into a dream state, I heard, “I love you,” fall from his lips in a sleepy confession. All I could think was that I couldn’t agree more.
I am so broken. Fucking Vi.
Loud knocking woke me from my fitful slumber. I could hear it way off in the distance, but didn’t want to move, to end the dreamy state I was in. I don’t want to get up. Didn’t we just fucking close our eyes? I turned my head toward Noah, taking in how confident and sweet he looked while he rested.
“Babe, there’s someone at the door,” I purred in Noah’s ear. He held my hips captive in his strong hold, while he lazily rubbed his growing erection against my backside. “Bet if we ignore them long enough they’ll go away. It’s only 0945.”
This earned me a thrust, as he moved more powerfully against me, and I could feel his rigid cock at my ass.
“9:45?! Oh my God, let me up!” He shifted from behind me and bounded out of bed. Grabbing his briefs, he ran to the door, tripping on discarded clothing and shoes. He reached the door and threw it open.
Dirk stood there disheveled, groggy, and looking all the worse for wear. “Oh, this is great. You have got to be fucking kidding me. Good thing I decided to check on your sorry ass—you should’ve been on the 0935 transport to the airport! Your flight is at 1145 and you’re supposed to arrive there two hours early to clear customs and get weighed in. Damnit, Noah! Don’t just stand there. You’re going to blow your ticket… get the fuck ready. You’re already late!”
Noah left the door ajar and sprang into action. He had thrown on his sexy briefs—oh my God they do nothing to hide his erection—and sat on the edge of my bed tugging on his jeans.
“What can I do to help?”
“Please help me find my shirt and shoes. Fuck, I can’t find shit in here.”
I slid off the bed, grabbed my robe and began sorting through our discarded items scattered across the floor.
Noah stood, and as he brushed past me, took them items I held out and gave me a quick squeeze.
“Just breathe. The plane isn’t going to leave without you, and they never leave on time anyway,” I offered with a smile, trying to calm his nerves.
“Shit, Tessa, I have less than five minutes if I want to catch the 0955 bus, which is NEVER going to happen… I still have to run back to the barracks and get my shit packed.” Noah’s tone verged on panic. I could see he was hustling his ass off, so he could get to the airport in time, but even I felt doubtful.
He finished getting dressed, grabbed his jacket and zipped it, ran a hand through his unruly hair and looked back at me. Noah had nearly made it out the door when he paused and turned, grabbing my arm. He pulled me against his body for a heart-fluttering, pussy-clenching kiss.
“No matter what happens, you have part of my heart and soul forever. Last night meant more to me than even I could’ve imagined. You’ve done something to me. Permanently. I have A LOT to think about. I just wanted you to know that before I leave today.”
“All I have to say is—thanks for last night.” My voice cracked, and I nearly lost my shit. I fought for control of my emotions and struggled to keep my mask in place. Last night was the closure we both needed in order to move on. “I wish you the best of luck, and the rest… how I feel just doesn’t matter because you’ve already bought your tickets.” I smiled sadly. Tears welled up again, and if he didn’t leave soon, he’d see the dam break.
“Noah—now! You’ve got to go!” The urgency in Dirk’s voice seemed to resonate with him. He broke our embrace and strode toward the still open door. Dirk had already started down the hall.
Noah turned back one last time. The vision of him standing in the middle of our hallway—wrinkled and unsure, scrubbing his hands over his face while he swiped fiercely at his traitorous eyes—burned itself into my memory. I shut the door, blocking the image.
Seconds later a knock sounded at my door. I flung it open and to my shock, there stood Noah, tears on his cheeks, and his heart on his sleeve. He was my very vision of a loveable man, a desirable partner, a sexy lover and a beautiful soul—my other half. Seeing him there, feeling what it did to my heart and how my soul swelled to new proportions, I knew he was my soul mate. I flung myself at him, and his strong arms caught me, encircling me with their strength, squeezing me to him as he grabbed a fistful of my loose locks and laid a no holds barred kiss on me that weakened my knees.
When our mouths parted, I looked into Noah’s eyes and saw fear. I brushed a quick kiss on his parted lips. I smiled weakly at him one last time before I gently pushed him, encouraging him to go.
I’d nearly gotten the door closed. “Tessa!” The most grieved, insecure and wounded voice called for me—causing me to freeze in my tracks. I opened the door a crack. Noah still stood before me, wearing yesterday’s unkempt clothes, but completely naked. I blew him a final kiss, my glassy
emerald eyes mesmerized by his liquid pools of indigo until the closing door broke our connection. The sound of the door clicking in its jamb echoed deeply in me. I rested my forehead on its cool surface, tears of anguish fell down my cheeks, unchecked. More than one door had just closed.
The End
Acknowledgments
First I want to thank God for instilling my love of writing and for giving me the gift of expression through writing. There were many times I wondered if I were on the right path, but I always came back to Him and when I did I became refocused and confident in my choices. Writing centers me and genuinely makes me happy.
I want to thank my rock-star of a husband for loving me unconditionally, even when I can be trying. Sometimes, getting the right words out was a struggle, and I know it stressed me out, but you remained sweet and supportive throughout the process. You are the Yin to my Yang, my balance and constant that I count on when the world is spinning. Thanks for understanding my crazy hours, long nights, for entertaining the kiddos on the weekends and in the evenings so I could get some writing in, for sleeping on the couch beside me while I stayed up writing much later than I should’ve, for your constant encouragement and endless support, and for so, so much more. You’re my best friend, lover, and life-long partner in crime. I love you forever. More than you know.
A special thanks also to my smart, charming, wonderful, demanding, attitude-y, hugely-loving, energetic, and supportive kiddos for putting up with me often writing when I should’ve been joining in more. You provided me the time I needed, sometimes more than I should’ve taken, when you needed my attention, to let me finish the thoughts I needed to get down. I love you bigger than the Universe, and you two are the center of my Universe. My world revolves around you, even if I took a detour to write Volition. You’re my daily reason why. Your unconditional love, constant support, sweet smiles, tight hugs, generous cuddles, and witty words of encouragement pushed me to finish this first book, and fulfill my dream of becoming a published author.
I’d like to thank my parents for your love and support. Your encouraging words and kindness mean more to me than you realize. I especially need to thank my mom, my first and longest best friend, for always knowing that I was a writer, and for reminding me often that I should follow my dreams. You’ve always told me I had the gift for writing, and have always encouraged me to do what I was good at from a very early age. Sorry, Mom it took me so long to hear what you were saying and to believe it. Thanks too, for sharing your books—Sky O’Malley and Timeless Passion—with me when I was a teenager and a voracious reader. They were sweet romances that filled my head with romantic notions that encouraged me to hold out for a true, sweet love. Mostly though, thanks for always being my constant since childhood, the one I could call any time, day or night as I traveled the world. All my love, Momma.
I need to give credit where credit is due…to my team who put in the hours and work. You all helped make Volition happen:
Jude. There’s so much I am thankful for, the list is long. For being the first to read Volition in its raw form and even liking it then. For never losing touch. For knowing so much more than me and imparting your wisdom and know-how with this whole book publishing process. For sharing Simone with me, the best editor ever. For genuinely (which is rare), wanting my success as much as I want it. For always being quick on beta turn-around times. Without fail, I can COUNT ON YOU EVERY TIME to read something for me and get back to me quickly while I am anxiously waiting, and we both know I seriously lack patience. You have been a steadfast friend and a tremendous support when I needed feedback, ideas, or when I had writer’s block and just needed a stress-free break. As time has gone on, you have never wavered through the years; your generosity with your time and friendship means the world to me. I love ya girly!
Simone. I know you came in at the photo-finish of my four-year journey with Volition, but without you I never would have made it to the finish line. You got me from the get-go, and I loved how easily we were on the same page through the entire process. Working with you was a dream. You took my raw diamond, and polished it for me. I am so grateful. Thank you for helping me un-edit my book, helping me recover my voice beneath the layers of previous edits. It was a daunting task, and when you suggested it, I wholeheartedly wanted to say no! I was concerned it was too big of a task with the challenges I face. So, I am beyond grateful for your support, boundless encouragement, selfless commitment to helping me get Noah and Tessa’s story told, and for the hours upon hours you spent with me, Noah and Tessa, instead of with your family. (Thank Eddie and the kids for me!) Thanks for being so generous with your time, expertise, and self in spite of your family, other personal projects, career and crazy life. Your feedback was invaluable to this project and I cannot wait to work with you on my others. Yours has become a friendship I truly value.
Lisa. For being my mentor; my first initial contact four years ago when I reached out on a random Facebook page asking about how to write a book, get it edited, and published. You have always been by my side through the highs and lows of it all with your support, unmatched wisdom, continued encouragement, amazing ideas, late night and early morning brainstorming sessions, honest opinions, and forgiveness. When I needed a beta reader you introduced me to Jude—our amazing friend—and helped me build my remarkable team. You’re friendship is authentic and I’m blessed to have met you.
Kari. You gave my book and brand a face and I cannot thank you enough for the gorgeous logo and cover you created. I get compliments on it every time I share it on social media. You listened to me, dealt with my indecisiveness and multitude of changes and never once complained. You are a true pro in every sense of the word and I cannot thank you enough for working on this project until I felt it was right.
Lastly, this book wouldn’t have even made the leap from my head to the page if I hadn’t read some amazing books by some pretty remarkable authors. Through your example I became so inspired and encouraged that I finally sat down to seriously write. Thank you Kristy, Sylvia, Pepper, Eva, CJ, Laurelin, Kristen, Constance, Judith, Mary, Victoria, and many others. You’ll never know how much your books mean to me.
About the Author
Who is Tina Maurine?
Tina Maurine is the gal on the sidelines at the party. The gal who smiles at everyone, but rarely initiates conversation; never the center of attention, but always taking notes on those who are. She loves watching people, their authentic responses to everyday occurrences and in turn has turned years of notes into fodder for her stories, an encyclopedia of emotions and character traits that come alive on the page. She never feels more alive than when she is creating; be it stories, music, graphic art, or painting rocks and canvases with her daughter.
She is a wife, mom, best friend, secretary, teacher, cheerleader, house-straightener, chef, chauffer, video game playing, Barbie doll dressing domestic multi-tasker. She likes her French baguettes crispy, her beer dark, and her chocolate even darker.
Her music tastes are eclectic, but if there’s a beat, you can bet
her body is moving to it… even in the car… and the louder the better.
Tina Maurine lives in Oregon with her amazing husband of twelve years, and their two beautiful children. Prior to marriage and children, she served eight years in the United States Navy and saw the world. She and her husband share their love for travel with their kids, and take as many family trips as their busy schedules allow. When they aren’t hitting the road or the skies, and when she isn’t teaching, Tina is content to sit at the table in their backyard with
her keyboard or a good, sexy book, and watch the kiddos play.
[email protected]
www.tinamaurine.com
Other Books
Look for: Veneration
An excerpt from book two of Noah & Tessa’s story
at the back of this book.
Coming soon: Vexed
Noah and Vi’s story in St. John, told from Noah’s POV.
Veneration
Excerpt from
Veneration
A Uniform & Lace Romance
Noah & Tessa’s Story
~Book Two~
All Rights are Reserved and Copyrighted 2018 by Tina Maurine.
(Excerpt may change before final publication.)
“Dirk’s been telling me about Noah since he got back. I guess his trip was cut short, and then there’s Ari. I mean it all just piled up—you having everyone and me feeling like I don’t really have anyone. So, anyways… sorry for being all jealous and shit, and for lashing out at you.” Her apology gushed from her like a breath held too long that explodes out, uncontainable and forceful. I gave her a reassuring smile and another quick hug to reassure her that all was fine between us.
Noah’s back? He got back early?!
I peeked around the corner of the doorjamb, and Lucas’s eyes connected with mine. They grew large as he rolled them, and then, giving his head a little nod, he tried to tell me to get our asses back in there.
“First of all… everyone does not want me. Secondly, YOU have got to catch me up on Trigg and you—Ketts and Dane. Thirdly,” as I took a deep breath, my chest involuntarily constricted, “you need to fill me in about Dirk and Noah.” I had planned on having a fourthly—if there is such a thing—and even a finally, but after just saying Noah’s name, I couldn’t get anything else out.
“Let’s go rescue the guys.” Sammie threw a head nod in the direction of the kitchen. “I’ll catch you up later.”
